General Information

The
twolined spittlebug is an increasingly important pest of turf and ornamentals
throughout North Carolina. Nymphs are most often associated with warm-season
turfgrasses, but they can also do considerable damage to cool-season grasses.
Adult two-lined spittlebugs feed on various ornamentals, especially hollies.

DESCRIPTION

Adult twolined spittlebugs resemble robust, black leafhoppers with tow red stripes
across the back. The wings are held rooflike over the back in an inverted "V".
Adults are about 1/3 inch long. The eyes are bright red. The abdomen is bright
red and shows conspicuously when in flight.

Nymphs resemble the adults, but are smaller and lack wings. Nymphs are
yellow, white or orange, but have red eyes and brown heads. The most unusual
characteristic of this stage is the spittlemass. The white, frothy spittlemass
envelopes the nymph and provides protection from desiccation and predators.

Biology

Eggs overwinter in grass stems, behind the leaf sheath, in plant debris
and other protected areas. The nymphs hatch in the spring and begin feeding.
They usually feed on lower parts of the grass plants where the humidity
is high. On hot, sunny days, nymphs may penetrate even deeper into the
turf.

The nymphs feed for about one month before they become adults. Approximately
two months are required to complete the life cycle. Eggs require two weeks
to hatch during the summer. Adults are one to two weeks old before they
begin laying eggs. There are at least two generations per year.

Damage

Past literature stated that twolined spittlebug nymphs are rarely a problem on
well-managed turf. However, recent reports from turfgrass managers, especially
in the eastern half of North Carolina, have proven the two-lined spittlebug
is a greater pest than previously thought. Spittlebug nymphs are particularly
damaging because as they feed by sucking plant juices from the turfgrass, they
must remove enough fluids to form the protective spittlemass. As a result, the
total amount of feeding for such small insects is considerable.

The needlelike mouthparts do little damage, but the fluid removal leads to
weakened, stressed grass that may turn yellow and then brown. Severe infestations
can even kill the turfgrass. In addition to feeding damage, the spittlemasses
themselves can become a nuisance and can give the turf an unsightly appearance.
Heavy infestations of two-lined spittlebugs can produce so much spittle that
the lawn actually squishes when walked upon.

On shrubs in late summer and early fall, adult two-lined spittlebugs fly to
hollies (and other plants) to feed. Their feeding causes holly leaves to become
splotchy and yellow and to drop prematurely. Laboratory assays in Georgia by
S.K. Braman and J. Ruter confirmed the susceptibility of cultivars with I.
cassine or I. opaca parentage. Severe damage was seen in 'Savannah',
'Carolina #2', 'Eagleston', 'East Palatka', 'Foster #2', and 'W.J. Bean', I.
cassine (redfruit), I.cassine (yellow fruit), and I. integra
x rugosa. Cultivars in the lab assay with no damage included 'Shamrock',
Winter Red', 'Burford', 'Wetumpka', Warrens Red', and 'Kathy Anne Batson'.

Control

Spittlebug nymphs can best be controlled in the turfgrass. A conscious effort
should be made to implement such practices prior to the first signs of severe
damage. Nymphs are large enough to cause severe damage by mid May in some areas.
Those locations where spittlebugs have been a past problem should be checked
more closely. Turf resistance studies in Georgia by Shortman, Braman et al.
showed that generally, damage was worst on centipedegrasses and least on zoyiagrasses.
The abstract
of the 56 turfgrass genotypes is linked here.

The only accurate way to assess the need to treat is to search through the
turf down near the soil line and actually find the spittlebugs. This requires
some time and effort. The turfgrass must be examined closely by parting the
grass and looking for the spittlemasses that surround the nymphs. After control
is obtained, the area should be periodically rechecked Reinfestation can occur
quickly since the two-lined spittlebug has at least two generations per year
in this state.

The best time to check for nymphs and to apply pesticides to turfgrasses
is late in the day because the nymphs are higher on the plants than during
the hot midday.

Numerous insecticides are labeled to control spittlebugs on turf and if properly
applied, most perform well. Good coverage is essential. Granular formulations
are not as effective as spray formulations. Be sure to read and follow all label
directions.

Recommendations for insecticides approved for control of these insects in home
lawns can be found under Leafhoppers and Spittlebugs in Insect
Control in Home Lawns section of the NC Agricultural Chemicals Manual.
Recommendations for insecticides approved for use on sod farms, golf courses
or other commercial sites can be found in Commercial
Turf Insect Control section of the NC Agricultural Chemicals Manual.

Chemical insecticides approved for spittlebug control on trees and shrubs may
contain compounds such as permethrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, imidicloprid,
carbaryl, acephate and others. Check the label of your tree and shrub
products for any of these active ingredients.

Recommendations of specific chemicals are based upon information
on the manufacturer's label and performance in a limited number of trials.
Because environmental conditions and methods of application by growers
may vary widely, performance of the chemical will not always conform to
the safety and pest control standards indicated by experimental data.

Recommendations for the use of chemicals are included in this publication
as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention
or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does
not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.
Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended
use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label.
Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current
product label before applying any chemical.